MICROANATOMY

Detailed explanation-1: -Adult plethodontids (lungless salamanders) lack both lungs and gills, and rely on cutaneous respiration. Skin, in fact, is the primary respiratory surface in most amphibians and must be kept moist.

Detailed explanation-2: -They’re often lungless! The California newt does have lungs, but the California tiger salamander, slender salamander, and arboreal salamander are all lungless, and breath through the pores in their skin. This is another reason not to pick these critters up, as lotion or sunscreen can harm them.

Detailed explanation-3: -Their skin has to stay wet in order for them to absorb oxygen so they secrete mucous to keep their skin moist (If they get too dry, they cannot breathe and will die). Oxygen absorbed through their skin will enter blood vessels right at the skin surface that will circulate the oxygen to the rest of the body.

Detailed explanation-4: -Respiration differs among the different species of salamanders, and can involve gills, lungs, skin, and the membranes of mouth and throat. Larval salamanders breathe primarily by means of gills, which are usually external and feathery in appearance.

Detailed explanation-5: -Since they lack lungs, all plethodontids breathe through their skin and the mucous membrane in the mouth and throat; these surfaces must remain moist at all times in order to absorb oxygen. All lungless salamanders possess a pair of nasolabial grooves, and each groove extends from the upper lip to a nostril.